New Delhi, August 17: Dr. Swarn Singh, a professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Institute of International Studies, stated that Bangladesh Prime Minister Tariq Rahman is keen on creating a favorable environment for his visit to India. He noted that there is over a 50% chance that PM Rahman will visit India and engage in direct talks with PM Modi. According to Professor Singh, both nations have no option but to improve their coordination, but this requires restraint regarding the Sheikh Hasina issue.
In an interview with the IAS news agency, Professor Singh remarked, “Whenever elections occur and new heads of state are elected, there is an expectation that their first foreign visit will be to India, and this has historically been the case. However, the atmosphere changed in 2024 when India allowed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to stay in the country, leading to discontent in Bangladesh. The Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party have highlighted this issue. When the NCP government formed and Tariq Rahman became Prime Minister, there was hope that relations might improve with an elected government.”
He further added, “PM Tariq Rahman initially stated that he would prioritize the people’s interests in all decisions and maintain a balanced foreign policy. This is why India sent a representative to his oath-taking ceremony, and later, the High Commissioner also visited. He has received two invitations: one for bilateral talks and another for the BRICS summit as the BIMSTEC chair.”
Regarding the tensions between the two countries, Professor Singh noted, “There are minor grievances. The demand is for Sheikh Hasina’s extradition. Until this process is completed, efforts should be made to ensure she does not act in a way that incites anger or instability among the Bangladeshi public. Currently, there is more than a 50% expectation that PM Tariq Rahman will visit India around the 20th or 21st and have direct discussions with PM Modi.”
On the relationship during Hasina’s tenure, he stated, “Bangladesh and India have no alternative but to improve their coordination. This is essential for development. Bangladesh shares its entire land border with India. For 15 years under Sheikh Hasina’s government, relations with India were very good, and her personal rapport with PM Modi was strong. There was a time when we referred to Bangladesh as a development model for all of South Asia.”
He emphasized, “When relations with India are positive, Bangladesh benefits in terms of development. However, it cannot be overlooked that historically, the NCP in Bangladesh has leaned more towards China. Many factors currently constrain the present Prime Minister. If he visits India, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations. The Teesta River issue remains unresolved, but the 30-year treaty concerning the Ganges, established in 1990, is nearing its 29th year this year, and discussions should commence on that front as well.”
Reflecting on the atmosphere during Yunus’s tenure, he said, “Certain issues remain stagnant. During the two years Dr. Muhammad Yunus served as the chief advisor of the interim government, his role was to establish law and order and conduct elections. However, he became embroiled in his ambitions, seeking to alter Bangladesh’s historical relations with Pakistan and strengthen ties with China. The environment he created during those two years will take time to rectify.”
Dr. Singh concluded, “Within the BNP, there may be individuals who prefer closer ties with China or Pakistan over India. So far, PM Tariq Rahman has indicated that he aims to maintain a balanced foreign policy and has repeatedly expressed a desire to improve relations with India. Hasina recently clarified that she plans to return to her country by December, which is a positive sign that India is indirectly working towards facilitating her return, potentially aiding in creating better coordination.”
Leave a Comment